Former headteacher joins in reunion at Litcham School in Norfolk

A former headteacher took a trip down memory lane as he returned to a village high school where he taught for 16 years.

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Peter Hart was joined by former students when he took a tour of Litcham School, between Dereham and Swaffham, yesterday as part of a reunion for those who attended the school from 1981 to 1986.

When Mr Hart, who lives in Brooke, just south of Norwich, first joined the school as headteacher in 1978, he was charged with turning the old secondary school into a comprehensive as part of a Norfolk County Council restructure.

During his time at Litcham School, he helped set up Norfolk’s first federation of schools, which included the high school plus 10 primary schools.

The federation, which was based at Litcham School, became known nationally and was at the forefront of organising schools in rural areas.

Yesterday’s visit saw Mr Hart meet with recently-appointed headteacher Jim Adams, look around the school and reminisce with his former pupils.

He said: “I was very privileged to be here as a headteacher; I had a wonderful team of staff and a very high calibre of staff.

“The youngsters did very well and we were very rarely out of the top performing schools in Norfolk.”

Mr Hart, who had joined Litcham School from Linton Village College in Cambridgeshire and after leaving in 1993, became a founder of the Norfolk Governors Network, added: “It’s very interesting to come back. These people left school here in the mid-80s and it’s nice to come back and recognise faces. I’m delighted to be able to join in the reunion.”

The reunion was organised by Stephen Olley who was a former pupil himself at Litcham School between 1981 and 1986.

He said some of the former students have since moved to India, Canada and America.

Mr Olley, 43, who lives in Tittleshall, and whose 14-year-old daughter Tazmin and 12-year-old son Morgan are currently studying at the school, said: “The reunion is a good way for the school to open up to the community.

“It’s always been a community school and when we were here, everyone had respect for everybody and I enjoyed it.”

Current headteacher Mr Adams, who took on the role in September, said: “It’s lovely to have our old students back and they are always welcome.

“It’s a school that’s at the heart of its community and we are looking forward so much at the moment that it’s nice to reflect back.”

Are you organising a reunion at your old school? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk.

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1 comment

I left Litcham High in 1987. Sad to say the only person I recognise on that picture is Mr Hart, who hasn't aged as much as his former pupils have. I don't suppose there was much conversation about the infamous school strike?